Increased Reports of Norovirus, the '24-Hour Stomach Bug,' are Seen Worldwide
Cruise industry is prepared and offers recommendations for staying healthy

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla., Dec. 12 /PRNewswire/ -- The "24-hour stomach
bug," also known as norovirus, is on the rise among the general population
and outbreaks are being reported across the country in hospitals, schools,
daycare centers and nursing homes, according to Dave Forney, chief of the
Vessel Sanitation Program of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
(CDC). With the high number of norovirus cases being reported in
California, Minnesota, Canada and Hong Kong, the Cruise Lines International
Association (CLIA) has observed a corresponding increase in norovirus among
guests and crew on board cruise ships.
"Norovirus is not an illness unique to cruise ships, but rather an
illness commonly seen in many settings throughout the United States,"
Forney noted. "The reason you hear about norovirus on cruise ships is
because they are required to report every incidence of gastrointestinal
illness," Forney said. "There isn't a required national reporting system
for land-based outbreaks of norovirus in the United States."
As the second most prevalent illness in the United States, second only
to the common cold, the CDC estimates that 23 million people -- or 8
percent of the country's population -- develop symptoms of norovirus
annually. Each year, less than 1 percent of all cruise ship passengers are
impacted by norovirus. Whether on land or sea, simple personal hygiene
practices, such as frequent hand washing, is a strong start to avoiding
contagion and spreading of the virus.
"The power of prevention is in your hands -- literally," notes Terry L.
Dale, president and CEO of CLIA, whose members include 21 cruise lines and
16,500 North American travel agencies. "The single best piece of advice to
stay healthy on land or at sea at any time of the year is to wash your
hands often and thoroughly with warm water and soap."
Cruise lines have a vested interest in educating their passengers and
in keeping a 'clean ship' to ensure a great vacation, Dale added.
"Passengers -- past and future -- should rest assured that their chances of
getting ill on a cruise are actually far less than going about their every
day lives."
Health experts confirm that norovirus on cruise ships is not generally
sourced from food or water, but rather from direct contact with a person
with the "stomach bug." It is also passed along indirectly on objects or
surfaces previously touched by someone with norovirus, such as handrails or
elevator buttons.
Cruise lines endlessly clean and sanitize their vessels, Forney noted.
He has seen the cruise lines take a leadership role in addressing norovirus
on board: "Cruise ships, which are held to the highest sanitation standards
in the world, have rigorous protocols and procedures in place to manage and
eradicate transmission of norovirus."
These rigorous procedures include disinfecting and sanitizing "high
touch" public areas such as door handles, railings and elevator buttons.
Passengers are encouraged to wash their hands frequently and
hand-sanitizers are offered on some ships. The CDC and cruise lines also
recommend that cruise guests minimize their contact with others during the
period when the illness is likely to be passed on. If a passenger is
experiencing symptoms, they are well advised to follow the medical staff's
recommendations to prevent the spread of illness.
Symptoms of the illness include diarrhea, vomiting and stomach cramps
and may last from one to two days. The most common way of transmission is
through person-to-person contact.
It is highly recommended that travelers experiencing norovirus symptoms
prior to their cruise contact the cruise line before sailing to see if
alternative cruising options are available.
For tips on how to stay healthy on your cruise vacation, more
information on norovirus and proper hand washing techniques, please visit
the CDC Web site at www.cdc.gov or the Vessel Sanitation Program's Web site
at www.cdc.gov/nceh/vsp.
About CLIA
The nonprofit Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) is North
America's largest cruise industry organization. CLIA represents the
interests of 21 member lines and participates in the regulatory and policy
development process while supporting measures that foster a safe, secure
and healthy cruise ship environment. CLIA is also engaged in travel agent
training, research and marketing communications to promote the value and
desirability of cruise vacations and counts as members nearly 16,500 travel
agencies. For more information on CLIA, the cruise industry, and
CLIA-member cruise lines and travel agencies, visit www.cruising.org.